Bio-medical waste disposal plant in Udupi, gets notice

Bio-medical waste disposal plant in Udupi, gets notice

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Nov 08, 2016: After facing strong agitation from Nandikur villagers in Udupi district against the plant managing the bio- medical waste, Udupi DC T Venkatesh made a surprise visit to Ayush Envirotech Pvt Ltd recently. The factory was set up four years ago. Even after repeated complaints from the public about the bad stench released from the plant during disposal procedure, the officials ignored it.

The Udupi DC, after visiting the site found the sewage was maintained badly after the treatment process. The waste was all dumped in an open place near the shed. Though the factory owner convinced the official that the waste is treated within 48 hours and the smell is not that strong, the officials were not convinced. Looking at the sewage system, the environment officer immediately took a decision to issue a notice to the company and warning the factory owner to the problems.

A Nandikur resident of the area said, "The plant adversely affects the health of hundreds of children in the villages at Palimaru, Nandikur, Aruve, Kopla, Shantharu and Ina.The anganwadi kids at these villages are facing asthma and allergy problems. Officials do not care about their health. The factory people burn the waste during afternoon." He blamed the environment officer who gave permission to set up the plant and demanded that the officer should be suspended. During monsoon, the water from the plant is discharged to the drainage outside the factory, which can also contaminate the ground water, he added.

Though the panchayat kept demanding the closure of the medical waste disposal plant, officials paid no heed to our demands, said Naveen Chandra Suvarna, former panchayat president.